ISSA Technical Seminar

Technical Seminar on Social Security Reforms

22–24 March 2011 | FreetownSierra Leone

ISSA Technical Seminar

Technical Seminar on Social Security Reforms

22–24 March 2011 | FreetownSierra Leone

In countries in West Africa social security coverage ranges from 10 to 15 per cent of the population. Benefit levels and qualifying conditions for health care do not always fulfill the expectations of members.

In recent years the global financial crisis has had a negative impact on populations, especially those without any social protection. It is widely recognized that social security contributes significantly to a country’s economic development and to maintaining social stability. To date, social protection is mainly restricted to people working in the formal sector of the labour market.

In order to achieve poverty alleviation and long-term socio-economic development a wider scope of social security should be implemented which is easily accessible and offers benefits that meet the expectations of the population. Taking into account this context, social security organizations in West Africa have recently adopted a range of innovative reforms which cover the types of benefits provided, the quality of services, internal management processes and the application of new information technology and communication. These reforms have been initiated in order to overcome current social security challenges especially increasing costs, aging of the population, globalization, governance aspects, the sustainability of systems and the extension of social security coverage.

The aim of this seminar will be to examine and analyse the main reforms implemented by ISSA member organizations in West Africa, taking into account the issues and challenges highlighted above. This seminar will also provide a platform to exchange experiences in this field in order to draw lessons when designing future reforms.

This seminar is organized by the ISSA Liaison Office for West Africa

The working languages will be English and French.

Please note that this seminar is open to ISSA members from the West Africa region and invited participants only.